Spring in Charlottetown 82 Header Item 1

Although there are countless reasons to visit Charlottetown, it never hurts to have some added motivation. Whether you’re excited about the return of your favourite festival or looking to discover something brand new, here are just a handful of ideas to get your imagination rolling…

And with lots of options for direct flights to Charlottetown with West Jet, Flair, Porter, and Air Canada, getting to Charlottetown has never been more convenient—or more affordable! Connected to the mainland of Canada by traversing the iconic Confederation Bridge or by taking a scenic ferry ride with Northumberland Ferries, Prince Edward Island is also very accessible by car from many major Canadian cities, as well as US cities along the East Coast. Did someone say road trip?

24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 Victoria Row

1) INVIGORATING SPRING FESTIVALS
In springtime, apple blossoms are popping, tulips paint street corners every colour of the rainbow, and there’s a palpable sense of renewal as nature comes to life after a long winter. Plus, with an expanding roster of spring festivals on the books for 2024, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.

24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 11 PEI Setting Day Culinary Festival
24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 1 Island Tides Yoga & Wellness Festival
DiverseCity Festival 1 DiverseCity Festival

2) RENEWING HISTORY
Knowing the history of a city helps you understand and appreciate the place you’re visiting—for better and for worse. During your visit to Charlottetown, take time to explore the various perspectives, including the injustices at play and those who were notably absent from deliberations in 1864, including the Mi’kmaq people. Charlottetown offers many ways to honour & embrace the Mi’kmaq culture through landmarks, performances, and more.

READ: History & Heritage of Charlottetown

3) WARM HOSPITALITY
Our hosts enjoy getting to know you and will no doubt make you feel at ease right away. In Charlottetown, there are plenty of unique and stylish places to stay that will meet all your expectations – many located right in the heart of the city and within walking or biking distance of all the beauty Charlottetown has to offer.

BROWSE: Places To Stay

Street Feast 28 Mi'kmaq Performance at Street Feast
23 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2023 11 Beaconsfield Historic House
23 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2023 5 Slaymaker & Nichols

4) PEI PRIDE
As a hotspot for arts & culture, Charlottetown draws many 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers in search of friendly nightlife, luxurious accommodations, and those coveted “Island vibes.” The PEI Pride Festival (Jul 12 – 21) is a celebration of the Island’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, so it’s the perfect time to come and let your true self shine!

www.pridepei.ca

5) INSPIRING PUBLIC ART
Street corners, lamp posts, and sides of buildings are brought to life with impressive artistic creations. In 2022, three new colourful murals by world-renowned artists were added to downtown Charlottetown building façades. Throughout the year, festivals bring out artistic creations like Art in the Open (Aug 22-25), Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival (All October), and a Whoville-inspired Christmas Town (Nov – Dec).

23 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2023 6 PEI Pride Parade
23 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2023 7 Art In The Open
12 Ways To Be More Eco‑Friendly in Charlottetown 14 Public Art views at Kent Street Market

6) ECO COMES EASY
There are endless ways to enjoy our little city with a conscious and appreciative mindset that will have Mother Earth appreciating you back! Charlottetown’s relatively flat terrain makes it easy to opt for sustainable travel. Throughout the city, you can also find second-hand books, homewares & apparel, vintage goodies, low-waste essentials, and lots of local love.

READ: 12 Ways to Embrace Sustainability in Charlottetown

7) UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES
Discover the most unique restaurants & culinary experiences in the Charlottetown food scene. Whether you’re in the mood for handmade Italian pasta, the world’s tastiest seafood, cocktails that’ll blow your mind or authentic Korean BBQ, it’s always a good time to get out and explore Charlottetown’s vibrant flavours.

BROWSE: Food & Drink Locations

Your Rainy Day Bucket List in Charlottetown The Bookman
Best Things to Do This Fall in Charlottetown 2 Charlottetown Biking
Home 61 Vibrant restaurants along Victoria Row

8) PERFORMANCE ARTS GALORE
The sound of music can often be heard wafting from many of the city’s bars and pubs. During the summer months, Victoria Row and Sydney Street are both abuzz with live music, while the open-air Sounds of The Waterfront take over harbourside Peake’s Wharf and Founders’ Food Hall & Market. Theatre lovers can enjoy jaw-dropping performances of all kinds at a selection of top-tier venues, including free open-air entertainment during the warmer seasons.

BROWSE: Live Entertainment & Other Events

9) A DREAMY FAMILY DESTINATION
Charlottetown’s small size makes it easy to get from point A to point B, all while remaining open to the wonder that can happen during all those moments in between. Your children will love the variety of kid-friendly offerings available throughout the city. Whether it’s hitting the pool, searching for hidden treasures, or creating an art piece that’s as unique as they are, there is so much family-friendly fun in Charlottetown just waiting to be discovered.

READ: Your Guide to Family Fun in Charlottetown

Waterfront Music Series at Peake's Quay Outdoor Stage Sounds of the Waterfront at Peake's Wharf
Mi’kmaq Stories of Rabbit and His Friends - The Charlottetown Festival Confederation Centre Outdoor Amphitheatre
An Urban Playground: Family Fun in Charlottetown 1 Family on Great George St

10) CITY LIFE, SEASIDE RHYTHM
Charlottetown has the best of both worlds. As a coastal city with a vibe that just won’t quit, you’re rarely more than a short walk, bike ride or drive from the water’s edge. Quaint streets lined with colourful houses lead you to harbourside boardwalks, while scenic drives through rolling farmland take you to the Island’s world-renowned beaches.

READ: 7 Ways To Soak Up The Island Essence in Charlottetown

11)  LOCAL LOVERS
Showing support for local businesses and creators is a must-do in our books. Luckily, Charlottetown makes it super easy to spread the love. With an abundance of fresh food products, locally owned restaurants & cafes, hand-crafted items, Island-based musicians, and much more, every street and corner of the city holds a little something for everyone. Don’t miss Farm Day in the City October 6, 2024 – the most delicious day of the year!

Home 42 Peake's Wharf Marina
24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 12 Farm Day In The City
24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 7 Live Music at Street Feast

12) A WALKER’S PARADISE
In the downtown core, you’ll often find yourself admiring thoughtfully preserved heritage buildings, gazing at boutique window displays, and taking in the contrasting sights of modern architecture, historic red brick buildings, and colourful seaside homes. Not to mention the impressively landscaped green spaces, and gorgeous Georgian and Victorian-inspired abodes of all sizes and colours.

The Island Walk is basically PEI’s version of the Camino Trail. Featuring 32 sections across 700 km, The Island Walk has the perfect landscape, both in terrain and scenery, for those who are looking for a long-distance walking adventure. Complete the entire route with places to stay along the way or tackle it in sections during your vacation.

13) LATE-NIGHT GEMS
After busy days spent adventuring in the city and beyond, Charlottetown’s seaside nightlife awaits. From classy cocktails to tall beers to a friendly round of pool, our locally loved late-night gems never fail to elevate the vibe with good tunes, good people, and good drinks. To the dance floor!

READ: Your Guide to Charlottetown’s Nightlife

12 Ways To Be More Eco‑Friendly In Charlottetown 2 Great George Street
23 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2023 10 Prince Street
24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 6 Victoria Row

14) EMBRACE THE ELEMENTS
While we typically enjoy lots of sunshine here in Charlottetown, being an Island we do, in fact, get a variety of weather. But rest assured, the romance and beauty of our landscapes are striking in all seasons and weather. Provided you’ve dressed appropriately and ready to embrace whatever comes your way, there are so many ways to appreciate the moodier weather of our Island.

READ: Your Rainy Day Bucket List in Charlottetown

15) A BEACH’S BEST FRIEND
With countless kilometres of sandy shores surrounding our island, PEI is THE ideal place to unwind and embrace the art of doing less. And due to its central location, Charlottetown makes the perfect home base to launch your coastal escape. Don’t forget to stop for some seaside picnic goodies before heading off!

READ: Best PEI Beaches Loved By Locals

24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 5 Rainy Day in Charlottetown
St. Patty's Day In Charlottetown 11 Victoria Park
Top 10 PEI Beaches Loved by Locals 47 Basin Head Beach

16) THE COFFEE & CRAFT BEER SCENE
There are so many independent roasters and local brewers within the historic district of our city. Take your sips from organic beans by dawn to hoppy brews by dusk. Whatever suits your fancy, you’re sure to find a top-tier stop just minutes away during your travels.

READ: Your Caffeine & Craft Beer Fix in Charlottetown

17) OUTDOOR FALL BLOCK PARTIES & FESTIVALS
Who doesn’t love a good street party? From the Street Feast Block Party (Oct 11 & 12) to everyone’s favourite tradition, Farm Day in the City (Oct 6) to the whimsical Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival (all of October), Charlottetown knows how to embrace outdoor living and throw an epic celebration. Fall Flavours Festival (Sept 26 – Oct 12) is a celebration of the Island’s incredible food scene and world-class chefs. It features unique culinary events in communities across the Island on select dates during the fall season.

24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 4 Sat & Sol Restaurant
Street Feast 31 Street Feast
Best Things to Do This Fall in Charlottetown 1 Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival

18) A ROAD-TRIPPER’S DREAM
Charlottetown is the perfect starting point to explore the rest of our special little Island. Stretching from east to west and every point in between, you’ll find endless beaches and golf courses, unique culinary experiences, picturesque fishing villages, and some of the most genuine locals in PEI. No matter where you choose to go, you’re never far from a good meal, a smiling face, and a coastal view.

READ: PEI Day Trip Destinations

19) SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
In Prince Edward Island, the beauty of the landscapes, the warmth of the people, and the sense of place is infused into everything that gets made here. Whether that’s an enduring piece of pottery inspired by the coastal scenes, visual art produced by a local artisan or custom jewellery reimagined just for you, we have plenty of vibrant shops, boutiques and galleries throughout the city just brimming with great finds.

BROWSE: Places To Shop

HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 11 Point Prim Chowder House
23 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2023 1 Downtown Farmer's Market
24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 3 Green Eye Designs

20) PUP-APPROVED
It’s a dog’s world, and we’re just living in it. Charlottetown is well-tailored for pups of all kinds and welcomes furry friends from near and far. With a slew of pet-friendly accommodations, shops, patios, parks, and beaches, visitors can easily enjoy the all-encompassing Island experience with their devoted companions right by their side.

21) BEST OF BRUNCH
Breakfast/brunch is arguably the most important (and tastiest) meal of the day. Our seaside city offers plenty of places to get a bite, guaranteed to meet all of your wildest cravings and start your day off right.

READ: Your Best Bet for Brunch in Charlottetown

22) MOMENTS OF CALM
Charlottetown is the perfect place to slow down and breathe in that fresh island air while you escape the hustle of everyday life. In the heart of the city, you’ll find a variety of yoga studios and wellness spas. Of course, you’re never far from the water and a stroll along the Victoria Park Boardwalk is just steps from the city centre. Or explore the region beyond the downtown core and visit one of the Island’s many beaches or wooded trails for uninterrupted nature therapy.

24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 10 Victoria Park Boardwalk
Brunch & Breakfast Spots Slaymaker & Nichols Gastro House
24 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2024 13 Modo Yoga Charlottetown

23) WINTER, REINVENTED
Step into our very own coastal snow globe. Stay with one of our participating Charlottetown accommodation providers and borrow complimentary snowshoes for a winter adventure. Flow in the Snow, a free outdoor movement series, is a huge hit with fitness enthusiasts while outdoor rinks are the perfect place to drum up some endorphins. Jack Frost Winterfest (February) is an activity hub full of family fun – indoors and out. The Ice City Festival (Feb – Mar) features Winter Terraces, horse and wagon rides, outdoor DJs, and more. A short drive will take you to The Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park where you can ski, fat bike, tube, and so much more!

READ: 44 Things to do This Winter in Charlottetown

24) CHRISTMAS MAGIC
Charlottetown knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. What was once a weekend event has blossomed into over a month’s worth of festive programming. During the Charlottetown Christmas Festival (Nov 22 – Jan 2), enjoy the well loved Victorian Christmas Market (Nov 29 – Dec 1), the open-air Mistletoe Market (Nov – Dec), horse-drawn wagon rides, the Charlottetown Tree Lighting (Nov 29), the Charlottetown Christmas Parade (Nov 30), the Indigenous Artisans Christmas Market (Nov 30), a Whoville-inspired Christmas Village, visits from Santa, live performances, and much more.

The Charlottetown Christmas Festival

44 Things to Do This Winter in Charlottetown 8 Snowshoes In The City
23 Reasons to Visit Charlottetown in 2023 Victorian Christmas Market
Ice City Festival 2 Horse & Wagon Rides

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many more memories to be made in our little city this year. Whether you’re a fresh face to Charlottetown or simply picking up where you left off, what’s ours is yours.

Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.

Follow along on social @discovercharlottetown and tag us during your stay to help share the Charlottetown love!

Blog Icon

Read On

Featured
Best of Fall (September, October & November) in Charlottetown Get ready for crisp days and cozy nights in Charlottetown. From the abundance of harvest flavours to inspired festivals &...
Continue Reading
Featured
20 Things To Do This Summer & Fall in Charlottetown From vibrant festivals and events to refreshing coastal vibes to exceptional culinary experiences, here's how PEI locals...
Continue Reading
Featured
Your Best Bet for Brunch in Charlottetown Check out some of our favourite spots in Charlottetown to grab a bite of brunch, guaranteed to meet all of your...
Continue Reading
Featured
City Pulse, Seaside Rhythm: 8 Coastal Things to Do in Charlottetown Charlottetown has the best of both worlds. As a coastal city with a vibe that just won’t quit, you’re rarely more than...
Continue Reading
Featured
Buy It Fresh, Buy It Local in Charlottetown Charlottetown's incredible food scene is due, in large part, to the abundance of high-quality products grown on Prince...
Continue Reading
Featured
Your Guide to Theatre & Live Music This Summer in Charlottetown From intimate venues to open-air concerts, live music is part of the fabric of life in Charlottetown. View our round-up of...
Continue Reading
Featured
Cruisin’ Around Town: 10 Must-Visit Areas of Charlottetown From the buzzing waterfront to colourful side streets to the heart of downtown, we have broken down our must-visit areas and...
Continue Reading
Follow us on Instagram